So, you’re planning to get dental implants? That’s great news – you’ll enjoy their ability to restore your smile and their other traits. Still, you may feel a bit nervous about the surgery that places them. Perhaps you don’t know how to prepare or what to do beforehand. Luckily enough, it isn’t hard to get ready for the placement. We at Revival Dentistry will gladly show you the ropes. To that end, here are four vital tips to prepare for dental implant surgery.
Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
First and foremost, you should follow your dentist’s pre-op instructions. Their specific guidance will ensure your implant surgery goes smoothly.
For instance, the dentist may instruct you to fast before treatment. This measure is very helpful if your surgery will use IV sedation. (In that case, delaying food will improve the sedative’s effect.) Therefore, you’d want to avoid eating anything after midnight of the previous evening. Not doing so could leave you more “amped up” than needed during placement.
Ask Any Remaining Questions
Before surgery, try to discuss any treatment questions with your dentist. You won’t have a chance to ask once placement starts.
Asking the questions you still have will help with preparations. After all, knowing how the placement works will inform your actions before it. Addressing your concerns will also ease some of your dental anxiety. Plus, the discussion will let you know if you and your dentist are on the same page. It’s not a good idea for misconceptions to impact your implants’ placement.
Arrange for Transportation
After implant surgery, you won’t be in a position to drive anywhere. Thus, arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after treatment.
You see, implant placement tends to involve sedation. You’ll likely feel sleepy and disoriented after it’s over. Given these facts, you won’t be in the right state of mind to use a car. It’s better to bring your driver to the dental visit instead. By doing so, you’ll be ready to go once you’re released.
Clear Your Post-Surgery Schedule
Even when surgery is over, you can’t just jump back into “business as usual.” Clear a few days of your post-surgery schedule to give yourself time to rest.
Remember, your mouth isn’t fully healed right after your treatment. You’ll likely face some post-surgery soreness and similar effects for a while. That being the case, you may need time off from work. You could even consider getting help around the house. For example, ask friends or family for support with childcare or meals.
By using the above ideas, you can prepare for dental implant surgery. Talk to your local dentist if you’d like other tips or tricks!
About the Practice
Revival Dentistry is based in Palos Heights, IL. Led by Dr. Zac Young, our practice truly strives to revive every patient’s smile! We thus offer custom treatments that span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency dental care. Our team is also proud to provide start-to-finish dental implant surgery. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (708)-448-4161.